Sandeep Modi, the director of The Night Manager, expressed immense pride in representing India at the 2024 International Emmys. The celebrated series, starring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Sobhita Dhulipala, is India’s sole entry at the prestigious awards across 14 categories. Competing in the drama series category, The Night Manager has captured global attention, bringing Indian storytelling to an international stage.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, Modi shared his excitement and gratitude, calling it a monumental achievement for Indian cinema. “Representing India and our rich cinematic tradition at the International Emmys is a huge honour,” he said. Modi emphasized the show’s journey from concept to global recognition, crediting his team for their dedication to creating a narrative that resonates universally.
The International Emmys, organized by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognize excellence in television programming produced and aired outside the United States. This year’s ceremony, hosted by comedian and actor Vir Das, promises to celebrate diverse voices in global entertainment. Scheduled for Monday, the event marks a significant milestone for The Night Manager, a series praised for its gripping storytelling and stellar performances.
On Saturday, the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) hosted a special reception at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery to honour the show’s nomination. The event celebrated the contributions of the cast and crew, with director Sandeep Modi and producer Deepak Dhar receiving accolades for their creative vision. Guests at the reception praised the series for its ability to bridge cultural gaps, highlighting its universal themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.
Adapted from John le Carré’s novel, The Night Manager weaves a tale of espionage and intrigue, set against the backdrop of global arms dealing. Anil Kapoor plays Shelly Rungta, a cunning arms dealer, while Aditya Roy Kapoor portrays Shaan Sengupta, an ex-soldier drawn into an undercover operation. Sobhita Dhulipala adds depth to the narrative with her portrayal of Kaveri, a woman torn between loyalty and survival. The series balances high-stakes drama with moments of emotional vulnerability, showcasing the complexities of its characters.
Anil Kapoor, who received widespread acclaim for his performance, described the nomination as a win for Indian content on the global stage. “This recognition validates the effort we put into creating something extraordinary,” he said. Kapoor credited the series’ success to its collaborative spirit, applauding Sandeep Modi for his direction and storytelling prowess.
Producer Deepak Dhar reflected on the challenges and triumphs of bringing The Night Manager to life. “Every frame of the series represents countless hours of hard work and passion,” he said. Dhar emphasized the importance of crafting content that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to think critically about societal issues.
The series’ nomination has sparked conversations about the evolution of Indian television content. Critics have lauded The Night Manager for its cinematic quality and international appeal, viewing it as a testament to India’s growing presence in the global entertainment industry. The show’s ability to blend intense drama with thought-provoking themes has positioned it as a standout contender at this year’s awards.
Sandeep Modi, reflecting on the journey, said that the nomination itself is a victory. He expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more creators in India to push boundaries and aim for global standards. “This moment is not just for us but for every Indian storyteller who dreams of sharing their work with the world,” he said.
As the countdown to the awards ceremony begins, anticipation runs high among fans and industry insiders alike. The International Emmys offer a platform to showcase the best in global television, and The Night Manager stands as a symbol of India’s creative ingenuity. Whether it takes home the trophy or not, the series has already made history by bringing Indian narratives to an international audience.
The recognition of The Night Manager at the International Emmys signifies a shift in how Indian content is perceived worldwide. For Sandeep Modi and his team, the journey serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to transcend borders, uniting audiences through shared emotions and experiences.
Sandeep Modi believes that the recognition at the International Emmys is a testament to the changing landscape of Indian storytelling. He highlighted the importance of creating narratives that resonate with global audiences while staying rooted in Indian culture and values. “The world is looking at us now, not just for our vibrant cinema but also for our ability to tell stories that matter. The Night Manager is just the beginning,” he remarked. Modi’s vision reflects a broader trend in Indian entertainment, where filmmakers are blending traditional storytelling techniques with modern, globally relevant themes.
The nomination has also reignited discussions on the importance of streaming platforms in elevating Indian content. The Night Manager, which premiered on Disney+ Hotstar, benefited from the platform’s vast reach, allowing it to connect with viewers across the globe. Industry experts have noted how streaming services have democratized content, providing a stage for Indian creators to compete on equal footing with international productions. “OTT platforms have changed the game,” said producer Deepak Dhar. “They have made it possible for stories like ours to travel beyond borders and touch millions.”
The show’s nomination has also placed a spotlight on the performances of its lead actors. Anil Kapoor’s portrayal of Shelly Rungta, a suave yet menacing antagonist, has drawn comparisons to some of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. Critics have praised Kapoor for his ability to infuse complexity into the character, making him both relatable and terrifying. Similarly, Aditya Roy Kapoor has been lauded for his transformation into Shaan Sengupta, a man torn between his moral convictions and the dangerous world he navigates. Sobhita Dhulipala’s nuanced performance as Kaveri has further enriched the narrative, making her one of the standout elements of the series.
Fans of the series have taken to social media to celebrate its nomination, with many expressing pride in seeing Indian content being recognized on such a prestigious platform. The series’ gripping narrative and high production values have made it a fan favorite, sparking discussions and debates about its themes and characters. The buzz surrounding the show has also reignited interest in Indian adaptations of global literary works, with viewers appreciating the effort to localize stories while retaining their universal appeal.
The Indo-American Arts Council’s reception underscored the significance of The Night Manager’s achievement. The event, attended by prominent figures from the arts and entertainment industries, celebrated the series as a symbol of India’s creative potential. Sandeep Modi used the opportunity to thank his team, emphasizing that the nomination was the result of collective effort. “This moment belongs to every member of our cast and crew. Their dedication and talent made this dream a reality,” he said.
As excitement builds for the awards ceremony, the nomination serves as a beacon of hope for Indian creators aiming to make their mark internationally. For many in the industry, The Night Manager represents a new era of storytelling, where Indian content is no longer confined to regional or national boundaries but is celebrated on a global stage. The recognition also highlights the importance of collaborations between actors, directors, and producers, showcasing how teamwork can elevate a project to new heights.
The International Emmys represent more than just a trophy for the team behind The Night Manager. It is a platform to share Indian stories with the world, breaking stereotypes and opening doors for future creators. Whether the series wins or not, its nomination has already achieved something far greater — it has put Indian television on the map and inspired countless others to dream bigger.
For Sandeep Modi and his team, the journey has been as rewarding as the destination. The director summed up his emotions perfectly when he said, “This nomination is a moment of pride for every Indian. It shows that our stories, our art, and our passion are being recognized and appreciated worldwide. That, to me, is the greatest victory.”